Words mean things but sometimes we pass over a word or phrase and not give it much thought. You may have heard of “Trials and Tribulations”. These always seem to go together. What do they mean however? Trials give us the idea of trying times where your will, emotions, and ability are all tested. Think of a race at a track meet. Your will, emotions, and ability are put to the test by the elements, the track, and your opponents. We all go through trials in life as well in the form of temptations that come up. Again our will, emotions, and ability are tested.
Tribulations are different. From a dictionary standpoint, trials are described as “a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something”. A tribulation is described as “a cause of great trouble or suffering”. This is more than a trial; this is serious! From a biblical standpoint it is the difference between “putting to the test or temptation” (trials) and “affliction, distress, persecution” (tribulation).
Trials come up everyday. We are tempted by our fleshly wants, what we see, and our pride (1 John 2:16). God is pleased when we don’t succumb to our temptations and “pass the test”! James summarizes this trial of temptation as: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:12-15, ESV)
Trials such as falling into temptation can grow through our desires and lead to sin and a spiritual death if not dealt with through Christ’s gospel and faithful living. God assures us, however, that “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV). We can escape temptation but it takes will, emotional control, and ability which comes from faith in Christ. If we follow Him and His commands we can be assured that a way of escape will be given us. Free will is a wonderful gift from God but we must choose our use of it wisely in this life.
What about tribulations? These are tougher events that come into our lives such as a loss of a loved one, physical injury or disability, bad news from a medical diagnosis, etc. These are mega-trials that may affect our entire life! There may be no “way of escape” from a tribulation. Again, we must build our faith in Christ that this temporal world is going away and we have the opportunity for eternal life in a place where there will be no more tears, pain, or tribulations: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, ESV).
That sounds great, but what about while we are on this earth? Is there comfort NOW for Christians going through tribulation? Yes! Faith in that Jesus has made a path to that wonderful place called Heaven if we will only take that gift of grace and mercy and follow Him should bring the Christian JOY: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-38, ESV).
It’s a matter of attitude and faith to get through trials and temptations. The temptations of flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life are difficult to conquer but be aware that God always gives a way of escape. Tribulations can be harder to overcome, but know that the good shepherd loves you and if you are His through following His plan of salvation, the love of the Lord will not separate from you!
